SCENARIOS-US lawmakers may tackle energy in lame duck session

WASHINGTON Nov 15 (Reuters) - A handful of energy tax
credits could be extended when the U.S. Congress returns this
week, but most energy legislation -- from renewables to climate
-- will be punted to 2011.

Ethanol producers, along with the solar and wind
industries, are pushing lawmakers to extend tax credits that
are set to expire at the end of this year.

Supporters of the tax breaks feel they have a better shot
of getting them extended this week during a "lame duck" session
-- the period between the November elections and the start of a
new Congress in January -- than with the next Congress, which
will include newly-elected Tea Party Republicans who want to
cut the deficit and may target tax breaks.

The fate of the energy tax credits could be tied to a deal
between President Barack Obama and Republicans over Bush-era
personal income tax cuts.

"A compromise on the Bush tax cuts increases the likelihood
that expired and expiring energy taxes could be extended before
year end," analysts at Robert W. Baird & Co. said in a research
note.

Here are energy tax credits and other energy issues that
could be addressed during the lame duck session.

SOLAR, WIND MAY GET NEW LIFE (possible)

Solar and wind developers, like First Solar (FSLR.O: Quote) and
NextEra Energy (NEE.N: Quote), can get cash rebates for up to 30
percent of cost of projects that begin construction by the end
of this year. Extending the tax break is vital for new business
as private sector financing is still difficult to obtain,
according to solar and wind company executives.
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